The History of LaserDiscs...

Introduction

The first LaserDisc technology, using a transparent disc, was invented by David Paul Gregg in 1958, patented in 1961 and renewed in 1990. By 1969, Philips had developed a VideoDisc using reflective mode. Thereafter, MCA and Philips partnered and in 1972 demonstrated the VideoDisc. On the 15th of December 1978 in Atlanta the first LaserDisc was introduced into the marketplace. The first LaserDisc title to be sold was Jaws by MCA DiscoVision and the last was a Japanese pressing Tokyo Raiders in Dolby Digital AC-3.

LaserDisc Formats

The LaserDisc was initially introduced in the NTSC format with 528 X 480 and later unofficially upgraded to 544 X 480 of video resolution. For Europe PAL was introduced with 528 X 576 of video resolution. The refresh rate for NTSC is 60 Hz and for PAL 50 Hz. In 1991, Japanese LaserDisc manufacturers introduced the MUSE format with HDTV 1080i resolution.

LaserDisc Video

LaserDisc video (NTSC & PAL) is an analog only medium and does not make use of any compression algorithms. Therefore, it is immune from unwanted digital effects such as macroblocking and contrast banding.

LaserDisc Audio

LaserDisc audio was initially available with analog sound and then digital. In the 90's Dolby Digital AC-3 and DTS were added. Both are available in uncompressed, full-bit-rate sound.

Grazie,

DaDon